The Champions League is back at St James’ Park tonight, as we take a 6-1 lead into tonight’s play-off second leg against Qarabag.
With our place in the last 16 all but secured, the big question is just how much will Eddie Howe rotate? Here is our best guess…
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Ramsdale – Shahar, Botman, Burn, A Murphy – Ramsey, Joelinton, Woltemade – J Murphy, Osula, Gordon.
OUT: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Hall, Tonali, Willock, Elanga.
IN: Ramsdale, Shahar, Botman, A Murphy, Joelinton, J Murphy, Osula.
First of all, this feels like an essential time to rest key players that have barely missed a minute in recent weeks, meaning Hall, Trippier and Tonali should all be rested, allowing Shahar, Alex Murphy and Joelinton to come into the side.
I am tempted to say Trippier will start, see us through the first 45-60 minutes and then come off for Shahar, although it would seem a little silly if a 35-year-old Trippier plays his eighth game in four weeks when we’re five goals up in the tie.
In attack, I think Osula will get the nod if there are any doubts around Wissa while Gordon will be desperate to play and continue his incredible goalscoring record in the Champions League as he hunts down top scorer Kylian Mbappe.
I’d like to see Elanga play and break his goalscoring duck, but he struggled at Man City and did little in the 6-1 win in Baku, meaning Jacob Murphy seems likely to come into the side down our right.
How do you see us lining up later on? Let us know in the comments below.
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